Concerns grow for missing walker

Yesterday officers appealed for the public’s help as they continued to search for missing Helmsley woman Barbara Colling.

The 68-year-old has not been seen since 9.35am on Monday when she was last seen walking from the market town of Helmsley towards Stokesley, in the area of the B1257 at Abbotts Hag, near the Rievaulx turn off.

Police say they are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare as she has serious health issues and does not have access to money or debit cards.

They have described her disappearance as being “out of character”.

Yesterday, as efforts were made to locate her, a police helicopter from the Cleveland force joined in the search together with members of the Scarborough and District Moorland Search and Rescue Team.

Insp Steve Ratcliffe, of North Yorkshire Police, urged anyone with any information to come forward.

He said: “I am urging anyone who may be out and about, including walkers and people working in the area between Helmsley and Stokesley to keep a look out for Barbara.

“I am also asking farmers to check in outbuildings and sheds to see if she has taken shelter from the poor weather.

“If anyone sees a woman matching Barbara’s description, I urge to them to contact the police straight away.”

Mrs Colling is described as white, 5ft 6in, of medium build and with medium length blonde hair. When she was last seen she wearing a navy blue jacket, blue trousers, a black woollen hat with ear flaps and black boots and is believed to have been carrying a black rucksack.

Anyone who can help locate Mrs Colling is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police immediately by dialling 101, selecting option 1 and passing the information to the Force Control Room.